AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Thanks to a great turnout from community members, the Chrysler brand will award five schools $5,000 in additional funding through the Drive for the Kids™ program for their achievement of an excessively high number of test drives at their location. The five schools are:

• Central Region: Eagle Heights Elementary School of Harrison, Arkansas
• Midwest Region: St. Paul's Catholic School of Bloomer, Wisconsin
• Northeast Region: The Bishop's Academy of Most Holy Rosary of Syracuse, New York
• Southeast Region: Four Oaks Elementary of Four Oaks, North Carolina
• Western Region: Wrightwood Elementary of Wrightwood, California

"The Chrysler brand is committed to enriching the lives of youth across America," said Saad Chehab, President and CEO – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Awarding $5,000 to each of the five schools that exceeded expectations for community participation at their local Drive for the Kids™ event is our way of rewarding sincere efforts made by the community to show support for further educating local students and raising funds that will help to sustain important educational programs."

Through Drive for the Kids™, participating schools received a $10 contribution from Chrysler brand on behalf of everyone who took a brief test drive in a Town & Country minivan—highest ranked in loyalty 11 years in a row—or another Chrysler brand vehicle that was available for test drive on the day of the test drive event.

Since 1993, when Drive for the Kids was first introduced, the Chrysler brand and its dealers have worked with parents and educators in communities across the nation contributing more than $4 million directly to local schools for student needs. From playgrounds and field trips to reading programs and new computers, the Chrysler brand is proud of this tradition of community involvement.

For the latest product and brand news from Chrysler brand, visit www.chrysler.com.

About the Chrysler Town & Country
The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan builds upon the dramatic, well-received changes made in the previous model year. Already imbued with innovative technology, unparalleled functionality, classic design, and a long list of standard convenience and safety features, enhancements in refinement make the 2012 Town & Country a true stand-out in the minivan segment. All 2012 Chrysler Town & Country models offer over 40 available safety, security, and technology features, providing customers the safety they expect to ensure peace of mind when traveling. Standard safety features include ParkView^® rear backup camera, front seat-mounted air bags, a driver-side inflatable knee blocker, advanced multistage driver and front passenger air bags, side-curtain air bags for all three rows, and electronic stability control, including Brake Assist and all-speed traction control. New standard features for 2012 include standard leather seating and rear-seat DVD for all models, new Sapphire Blue interior lighting scheme and a class-exclusive leather and wood heated steering wheel for Limited models.

About Chrysler Brand
The spirit of hard work. Earning your place without forgetting where you're from. That's what the Chrysler brand and its vehicles are all about. Integrating the first eight-speed automatic transmission in a domestic luxury sedan, the 2012 Chrysler 300 sedans offer world-class innovation and quality while delivering stylistic distinction and premium features with legendary value. Chrysler's 200 sedan inspired the brand's identity: "Imported from Detroit." The 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan delivers exceptional value without compromise with sophisticated design, high-quality craftsmanship, and technology. The Chrysler 200 Convertible—with a power soft or hardtop—offers an open-air experience featuring elegant craftsmanship. The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan is beautifully crafted with high-quality, soft-touch materials and tech-savvy entertainment features and smart storage. Standard leather Stow 'n Go^® seating, overhead DVD, and more than 40 safety and security features are some of the Town & Country's innovative offerings.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC